2021-03-09 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       9 MARCH 2021


     supporting an appropriate mix of lot sizes and dwelling types, including housing for seniors
      and people requiring assisted living
     considering incentives to promote affordable and social housing outcomes, particularly in
      areas in close proximity to services and amenities
The drafting of Noosa Plan 2020 was informed by a Housing Needs Assessment for Noosa Shire,
prepared (by Briggs & Mortar Pty Ltd) in accordance with the requirements of the SPP 2016 State
Interest Guideline, Housing Supply and Diversity. Statistical research and industry consultation
undertaken as part of that study is now 5 years old and is considered due for some review.
In the preparation of Noosa Plan 2020, every effort was made to meet the State government’s
policy outcomes for housing affordability with the inclusion of social housing provisions on key
development sites. Specifically, the draft planning scheme, placed on public notification in 2019,
sought to require development on land at Noosa Business Centre and the former Noosa Bowls
Club site in Noosa Junction, contribute towards the social housing needs of the Noosa community,
in the order of 1 in 10 dwellings (distributed across the site) dedicated to a registered housing
provider at no cost to the provider or Council. Unfortunately, a Ministerial Condition requested this
outcome be redrafted to only require that “dwellings are provided to meet the needs of different
households”. Dedication of social housing and affordable housing is limited to an acceptable
outcome.
Since mid-2018, when the draft scheme was submitted for first State Interest Review, housing has
become more expensive and permanent rental accommodation in higher demand. The current
housing climate has prompted staff to recommend Council initiate amendments to Noosa Plan
2020 to facilitate the development of further housing choice for residents with specific needs or
lower incomes, close to employment, services and facilities they depend on.
A range of amendments are proposed to Noosa Plan 2020 to:
(a)   require small dwellings within close proximity of centres
(b)   change the land use zone of key sites within or in close proximity of centres
(c)   amend anomalies in planning provisions relating to housing
(d)   reflect development approvals
Proposed amendments are summarised below:
2     Definitions
Noosa Plan 2020 includes the administrative definition of “affordable housing” as per the Planning
Regulation 2017. However, while “social housing” is referenced and described via an editor’s note,
no Schedule 1 definition is included.
The State Interest guidance material on Housing Supply and Diversity states that an adequate
supply of social housing is important to create social and economic diversity and productivity within
local communities. It calls for incentives to promote affordable and social housing outcomes,
particularly in areas in close proximity to services and amenities.
It is therefore recommended the definition of Social Housing within the Glossary of the State’s
guidance material form the basis of an administrative definition within Noosa Plan 2020.
Public Housing is defined in the Planning Regulation 2017 and the definition should likewise be
included in Noosa Plan 2020. For completeness Community Housing should also be defined.
2.1   Proposed amendment:
     Include the following administrative definitions in Schedule 1 Table SC1.2.2:
      Social housing means housing for the residential use of vulnerable people on low incomes
      or with special needs, other than crisis accommodation, that is either provided by:
       - the state as public housing; or
       - an entity other than the state (e.g. a not-for-profit organisation) as community housing.
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